lingering scent of his aftershave. Combined with the salt air, it is all things good and right in this world. I could get high off of him, no problem. He holds me against him while his other hand is busy giving me a neck rub. The pads of his fingers stroking over my skin before kneading the muscle with just the right amount of pressure. The man knows what he’s doing. I give this hug eleven out of ten.
Meanwhile, his face is buried in the top of my head, sniffing at my long blond hair. He’s not even being discreet.
“I probably smell of stale beer,” I say, trying to be helpful.
His chest moves slightly as he chuckles. “No. It’s something floral.”
“Hibiscus.”
“Ah. Pretty.”
It’s actually from a dry shampoo because I’m two days past needing to wash my hair. Though he doesn’t need to know this. The length of my leg hairs would also probably scare the man, but such is life. Sometimes a girl just needs to go natural. Also, I wasn’t in the mood or anticipating getting this close with anyone. At least, not tonight. Being female can be ridiculously high maintenance.
But back to the hugging.
It’s funny, his body is hard yet comfortable and the way he holds me is nothing less than swoon worthy. Like I’m treasured and protected. But also wanted. And with my breasts squished against his chest, he can no doubt feel my hard nipples reacting to his touch. Oh well. With his firm hand now working its way up and down my spine, going a little lower each time, teasing us both, there’s no innocence about this embrace. Something is also happening in his pants.
“Isn’t this nice?” he whispers. “And so chaste.”
“You know, I was just thinking that.”
His palm eases over the top of my ass cheek, fingers digging into the flesh just a little, grabbing hold of me. I slide my hands under the hem of his T-shirt, needing to feel his skin. Hot, smooth, and perfect. It’s a visceral thing, the need to get closer. I rest my chin on his chest, staring up at him. Being this close gives me full body tingles. In this low light, his gaze is all dark and mysterious. And very sexy. The man makes me so giddy I can’t think straight. Too many sensations, so much yum. It wouldn’t take much to reach up and press his mouth to mine. How tempting. I can barely even remember why I thought waiting to go further was a good idea. Caution means nothing when your blood’s running hot and your hormones have been so thoroughly agitated.
Then, I ruin it all by yawning. My jaw even cracks nice and loud. “Oh God. Sorry.”
He laughs. “Think we better call it a night. Let you get some sleep.”
“Yeah. I guess so.”
“Want me to walk you home?”
I shake my head. “It’s fine, thanks.”
And he just stands there and looks at me for the longest moment. If only I could read his mind. I don’t know why this gets to me so much, all of the attention he’s showing. But it does. My body adores the way this man watches me as if nothing else matters. The complete focus in his gaze. Already I’m learning there’s nothing half-assed about Beck. A change from the last few guys I dated. Not that we’re dating. I don’t actually know what this is.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” he asks, hand resting low on my back, thumb rubbing back and forth against the cotton of my shirt.
“Right.” I smile. I can’t wait.
CHAPTER TWO
When he walked into work the next day, I felt like I could breathe again. Like I’d been bracing myself, expecting him to disappear, expecting to be disappointed. I don’t want to feel this way. I don’t want to be this invested. It isn’t wise. I kind of also dressed up for him, but also for myself. Sixty/forty maybe. I don’t know. But one of my favorite outfits is a pair of skinny jeans that hug my ass and a short-sleeved black button down with a stand-up collar. Makes me feel fancy, especially with my hair braided and small silver hoop earrings.
I have it so bad for the boy. God help me.
And hey, odds are good that he will lose interest. Get distracted by one of the babes who frequent the bar or something. Lord knows he receives enough attention. Not that I was watching him all night. But I was sort of watching him